The effect of Japanese herbal medicine on MRSA carrier in neurosurgery

: Since the management of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers is not established, these patients are isolated individually, limited in activity, and delayed in rehabilitation. In this study, the effect of Japanese herbal medicine on MRSA carriers was examined. In the control group, MRSA carriers were isolated individually. In the treatment group, one of the Japanese herbal medicines "Juzentaihotou" or "Hotyuekkitou" was given in addition to isolating the patient. It was shown in cultures that Japanese herbal medicines had effectively changed MRSA carriers to negative. They also shortened the duration required to bring about the change of MRSA carriers to negative. As a result, the total number of MRSA carriers was reduced. These results suggested that Japanese herbal medicines may be useful for the management of MRSA carriers in neurosurgery.